Happy Holidays from the Stars of Classic Hollywood

Here’s an old-school entertainment tradition we wouldn’t mind making a comeback: in the days of old Hollywood, part and parcel of the studio publicity machine was the star (and, often, star’s family) Christmas photo. These publicity pics were distributed to the gossip columnists and movie magazines; sometimes they went out on the family’s own Christmas cards. And flipped through now, considering what we know about that period, they’re often the most naked of image-making ploys. But they’re also charming and sweet, a glimpse of silver screen legends simply having a good time and enjoying their stardom on the holiday. Here are a few of our favorites.